Summary
The Applications Administrator covers a broad application portfolio: locally developed custom software, national judiciary applications (CM/ECF, JMS, PACTS, etc.), applications developed by other federal courts, and commercially available software solutions. Core responsibilities include database and application maintenance, security vulnerability mitigation, customer issue resolution, development and implementation of custom web-based applications, and custom report development.
Duties
The Systems Technology Division delivers technical support to all court units - the Clerk's Office (including judges and chambers staff) and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office - across four locations in the District of Arizona. The division supports approximately 600 employees and oversees multiple data centers, telecommunications and networking infrastructure, and a large fleet of end-user devices (iPads, iPhones, and Windows laptops), in addition to an application catalog spanning locally developed software, off-the-shelf products, and nationally supported systems.
The Application Administrator is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of software applications supporting the District of Arizona's mission, including locally developed custom software, national applications (CM/ECF, JMS, PACTS), applications developed by other federal courts, and commercial software solutions.
Key areas of knowledge and skills include:
- Microsoft Products: SharePoint, Power Platform, Microsoft IIS, Azure & AWS
- Databases: Mircosoft SQL, IBM Informix, & My SQL
- Programming Languages: C#, JavaScript (React, Angular), Python & .Net
- Reporting Tools: Crystal Reports, Power BI, Business Objects & Reportal
- Additional Areas: API, AI/LLM (Claude, Open AI, Gem) & Docker Containers
Regular administrative responsibilities include routine database and application maintenance, security vulnerability mitigation, customer issue resolution, development and implementation of custom web-based applications, development and maintenance of interfaces between locally developed and nationally supported judiciary applications, and custom report development. The Application Administrator may also perform Windows Server and Linux system administration duties. The successful candidate must have a keen eye for detail and a strong customer service orientation.
Additional representative duties include:
- Developing and supporting APIs to enable integration between internal and external systems.
- Developing and integrating various large language models (LLMs) into court applications and workflows.
- Performing full-stack development, including front-end UI/UX design and back-end system logic.
- Building, deploying, and maintaining applications using Docker containers.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for this position.
- Background investigation
- Pre-employment drug test
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify at the CL 28 level, the applicant must have two years specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to work at the next level (CL 27).
Specialized experience is progressively responsible experience that provides the candidate with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this role, applicants must have a minimum of two years of specialized experience demonstrating the ability to work with applications across all phases of the ITIL application lifecycle.
A master's degree, or two years of graduate study, may be substituted for the required specialized experience if obtained in a field directly related to the subject matter of this position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to candidates with progressive technical experience developing and supporting web-based applications using Microsoft Visual Studio/ASP.NET, C#, SharePoint, SQL, JavaScript (React, Angular) and HTML. Experience with server operating systems and database products - including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows Server (2019 and above), Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Informix Dynamic Server - is preferred. Experience with Server Studio and Microsoft IIS is desirable, as is familiarity with off-the-shelf reporting tools such as Crystal Reports, Business Objects, and RePortal. Working knowledge of the Microsoft ecosystem, including Power Platform and related robotic process automation (RPA) tools, is highly desired.
Preference will also be given to candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong customer service skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively with clients, team members, and managers.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- The ability to see assigned projects through to completion.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is also preferred.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Additional information
- This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service.
- The initial appointment to this position is provisional pending the successful completion of the required background checks and/or investigations.
- Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Employees of the U.S. District Court serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). Federal Civil Service classifications or regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to substantially the same benefits as other Federal Government employees.
- The U.S. District Court is a drug-free workplace and the applicant selected will be required to participate in a drug screening test prior to employment.
- All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials or the inability to meet the following conditions may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed.
- Participation in the interview process will be at the applicant's own expense and relocation expenses will not be provided.
- All promotions are subject to the approval of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
- The position is subject to the mandatory electronic fund transfer (EFT) participation for payment of net pay (i.e. Direct Deposit).
- Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)(B). In most cases, this means that an offer of employment cannot be made unless the candidate is a lawful permanent resident who is seeking U.S. citizenship as explained below. Under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.
The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office, District of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Federal benefits include, but not limited to:
- Up to 13 days paid annual leave per year for the first 3 years of employment; 20 to 26 days per year thereafter (dependent upon the length of federal service).
- 11 paid holidays per year.
- 13 days of paid sick leave per year.
- Up to 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave, if qualified.
- Excellent retirement package (enhanced Federal law enforcement retirement benefits)
- Mandatory participation in the Federal Retirement System (FERS) and Social Security programs.
- Optional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401(k)-styled program with a matching component of up to 5%, with diversification control.
- Full extension of health benefits.
- Optional participation in the federal health insurance program of your choice (no waiting period).
- Optional vision and dental insurance programs of your choice (no waiting period).
- Optional participation in a flexible spending program for health and/or dependent care.
- Optional participation in group life insurance.
- Transit Subsidy.
- On-site fitness center (Phoenix only)
- Flexible schedule options.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Complete applications will be reviewed based on Judiciary qualification standards. Applicants selected for interview will be evaluated based upon the question responses they provide during the structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions, the applicant should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what they did, and the outcome.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following with their online application:
- Cover letter that supports your work experience as it relates to the position.
- Resume that includes complete work and salary history, and education.
- Your two most recent performance evaluations (strongly preferred). Letters of recommendation may be substituted if no evaluation is available. One letter of recommendation must be from a current or recent supervisor.
Attachments should be submitted only as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) documents. Other formats are not acceptable.
See 'How to Apply' for instructions.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please visit our website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/azduscourts. Applications are only accepted on our website.
Applications will be considered complete when the online application and all required attachments (in proper format) are received by the Human Resources Division. Applications and/or attachments received after the closing date may not be considered.
Next steps
Preference given to applications received by Monday, October 5, 2026.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) to the District of Arizona employment website, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, applications will be referred to the hiring manager who will determine who may be contacted for an interview.